UCOpera - Libuše

In its 68th year UCOpera is continuing its popular tradition of staging lesser-known operas with this year’s production of the British staged premiere of Bedřich Smetana’s Libuše. Returning to the newly refurbished Bloomsbury Theatre, the cast and orchestra, composed of both professionals and members of the student body, will be led by musical director Charles Peebles, with direction by Cecilia Stinton.

"O, that she might only choose a husband, capable of restraining passion!" Composed in 1871-72, UCO reimagines Smetana's Bohemian queen and her medieval court in the modern-day city, where soaring skyscrapers promise glamour and wealth at a human cost. Born into a celebrated legal dynasty, Libuše, having inherited her late father’s firm, is queen of the corporate world and obliged to assert herself as its leader, working tirelessly to expand the firm and prove herself. A quarrel between her two most-valued senior partners, Chrudoš and St’áhlav, throws the stability of her company into jeopardy, and Chrudoš' sexist attack on her leadership threatens to push Libuše over the edge. Tasked with arbitrating over their argument, Libuše feels the true loneliness of being a woman at the top. Who can give Libuše the support she needs? Libuše will run at The Bloomsbury Theatre from Monday 18 – Saturday 23 March 2019 for four performances only – March 18, 20, 22 and 23 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are priced at £25, with concessions at £17 (60+, U18, non UCL students), £9 UCL students and staff.

Running time: 3hrs (incl. interval)